Thursday, April 16, 2009

Friends, foes cash in on Palin

Since the conclusion of the presidential election, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) has largely avoided the political fundraising circuit. Nevertheless, she’s emerged as an almost unparalleled fundraising force, with both foes and fans minting money off the mere mention of her name.

The candidates and causes that have climbed aboard the Palin gravy train include, but aren’t limited to, abortion rights foes and supporters, environmental groups, and political committees supporting both Republican and Democratic candidates. It’s a testament not only to her star power, but to the strong feelings she generates among partisans.

For the most part, Palin herself is an unwitting participant in the burgeoning business.

“The only authorized thing out there at this point is SarahPAC. And the rest are just using her name and brand to draw attention and roll in the dollars,” said Meg Stapleton, a spokeswoman for SarahPAC, the committee Palin set up in January to raise money for her political staff, travels and contributions to like-minded candidates.

And quite frankly she was not an active participant in seeking press. It was only done after getting hammered by negative press and false accusations.